Ever feel like your life is out of balance, you’ve lost control, your body is tired and aching, and time is running out? Has mid-life got you in a crisis? Maybe if you took a few minutes each day to get centered, grounded, and balanced in body, mind and soul, your moods would lift, your health would improve and your sexy self would reconnect.

Wednesday, October 28, 2015

A Recipe for Happiness like Peas in a Pod

The phrase like two peas in a pod means
something that is identical. It comes from the fact that the peas in a pod are virtually
indistinguishable. It is an old saying that dates back to the 16th
century.

Peas are a staple in England where they grow
and export a very large amount of peas. Canada and not England is the largest
exporter. But where do you think the Canadian got the peas from? If you are
lucky enough to be in England in the spring time you will get the fresh spring
peas which are a delicacy. When I was in London in late May we ate fresh peas
served as “mushy peas” which is a soft smashed up pea dish somewhere between
smashed wholes peas and peas soup. The taste was very fresh, but I must admit I
prefer my peas whole. Apparently mushy peas is the modern version of an old
recipe for pea pie. Anyway you serve peas the Brits are all so happy with their
fresh spring peas. And quite interestingly here in Los Angles it is all the
rage to have English spring peas on the menu.

But, do these little green pellets really
make us happy? When I was young the boys in our neighborhood would take the
peas and shoot them at the girls through straws, known as peas shooters. If
they didn’t have peas they would make little spit balls in the shape of peas
and shoot them into the girl’s hair and then laugh like crazy. My brother and I
would use our spoons to snap peas at each other at the dinner table when my
parents were not looking. This of course was fun and made us laugh. Playing
with peas does make for good fun and happy memories.

Nutritionally peas are a great source of
phytonutrients. Flavanols (including catechin and epicatechin), phenolic acids
(including caffeic and ferulic acid), and carotenoids (including alpha- and
beta-carotene) are among the phytonutrients provided by green peas.
Phytonutrients are certain organic components of plants and these components
promote human health. Fruits, vegetables, nuts and teas are rich in
phytonutrients which are different than proteins, fat, vitamins and minerals
which are essential for life. Peas are aso a good source of Vitamin C, vitamin
K and manganeses. You probably recognize lycopene, and beta carontene which
studies have shown are phytonutrients that support heart and eye health.

Although we think of peas as a vegetable they
are actually a legume. Legumes are foods that bear fruits in the form of pods.
Lentils, chickpeas and beans are also legumes. However, peas are one of the few
legumes that are picked and eaten fresh while the other legumes are dried
before cooked.

Happiness is an elusive concept with
different meanings for different people. However, a state of happiness is
something all people strive to achieve. Happiness I would argue ischaracteristic of a good life and a good life
is fulfilling.Enjoying pea’s fresh from
the pod in springtime fulfills the need to share the good nutritious aspect of
life with those we love. Happiness is found in the simple things in life. Like
peas in a pod, at the most basic level, we all share the same need to be happy.
That’s why we love peas- they make us giggle and smile.

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Natural Health or Naturopathy is the path of obtaining balance through diet, exercise, relaxation, positive attitudes and appreciation for life. Naturopathy teaches us that we are three parts; body, mind and spirit, and it is the balancing of all three that brings about perfect health.